With the circular (or set of dpn's, if you wish), cast on 68 stitches--think of it as 17 groups of 4--with your preferred method (I use long-tail). Join and work in k2, p2 rib for 2" (or more, if you wish).

The next round you will knit, increasing every fourth stitch, thus:

K4, M1 (I use the backward loop method) to end--85 (17x5) stitches.

Work in stockinette stitch, until the hat measures about 4 inches.

Now you will begin shaping the crown by decreasing five stitches every other round:

*K15, K2tog, repeat from* to end--80 stitches.

Knit the round.

*K14, K2tog, repeat from* to end--75 stitches.

Knit the round.

Continue in this way, decreasing every other round, changing to dpn's when necessary, until you have five stitches left on your needles. Decrease one more stitch and work the remaining 4 stitches in i-cord for an inch-or-so. Break yarn and pull it through the remaining stitches with your darning needle. Darn in end at ribbing.

Block flat using steam and a press cloth, being careful not to stretch the ribbing.

et voilà!

as you see, this pattern is very easy to size up or down, or to adjust to different weights of yarn...just remember to cast on in multiples of four for the ribbing, and increase to multiples of five for the body! also, this hat is perfect when unadorned, but it does lend itself well to stripes and other decorations (like the star and button on the hat pictured)...enjoy!!!

All of your patters are beautiful. I'm truly in love with this hat!I haven't tried knitting with circular needles (I will with this pattern!) but, can you tell me how I can make this with straight needles?

Hello! I have just cast on 68 stitches with my circular needles and there isn't enough stitches to allow me to join them up. My needles are 16" as per the pattern but they still are too long. Should I buy dpns for this pattern instead?

Sorry I didn't see this sooner! Yes, dpn's would work, or you can use a 12" circular. Type of yarn can have something to do with this. If you were using a non-wool yarn such as cotton, it might make it more difficult to join because the yarn has no stretch. Sometimes it helps to do a few rows back and forth before joining.

The type of yarn you are using can have something to do with this. If you are using a non-wool yarn such as cotton, it might be more difficult to join because the yarn has no stretch. Sometimes it helps to do a few rows back and forth before joining in a case like this. Otherwise, you might try a 12" circular or dpn's. I assume you are using a dk or worsted weight yarn?

Beautiful hat! I have some DPN I'd like to use for this project. They are size 3. Would you be able to give me some input as to how many stitches to cast on and when to increase and decease? I'd like to make the baby size. My gauge is 8 stitches per inch. Thanks!

I am so glad you like the hat, and I hope that you have success with the pattern! A good article that might help you with adjusting to your finer gauge is here: http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer05/FEATsum05TBP.htmlHope this helps!